Workplace Bullying: Current Data and Practical Guidance
Workplace bullying remains a widespread and recurring issue that shows no signs of fading, according to the Irish Workplace Bullying Report 2026, featured in episode 893 of the HRchat podcast. This report underscores how bullying directly impacts employee retention, organizational trust, and overall productivity.
The study found that 85% of respondents had dealt with at least one bullying complaint, and nearly half of them encountered between 3 and 10 separate incidents. Over the past year, 62% of respondents reported active bullying complaints, while 55% indicated that complaint levels have stayed the same or even increased over the last five years. Furthermore, 54% of those surveyed admitted to having personally experienced bullying, and 67% of those victims subsequently left their organization. Among those who resigned, 80% identified bullying as the main reason for their departure.
Key Recommendations for Organizations
Bullying complaints, the report revealed, are frequently directed at managers or senior leaders, with 70% of all complaints targeting this group. More than half of all complaints (56%) were filed specifically against managers. Although 94% of organizations have a workplace bullying policy in place, 38% provide no training on the topic. Only 71% of respondents said their organization had conducted formal investigations, and just 56% of those had received training on how to carry them out.
HR management expert Mary Cullen remarked that 'bullying is part of everyday reality for many organizations.'
The research offers several critical recommendations for organizations:
- Provide better support for managers to resolve conflicts early;
- Strengthen leadership commitment to fostering a respectful workplace;
- Continuously monitor workplace culture and behavior;
- Set clear expectations for conduct;
- Initiate difficult conversations sooner;
- Distinguish between performance management and harmful behavior.
Ultimately, the report shows that workplace bullying remains a pressing issue requiring organizational attention and action. Given the high volume of complaints and the significant toll on employees, organizations should reassess their conflict management strategies and efforts to ensure a safe work environment. Episode 893 of the HRchat podcast is scheduled for release next week, offering a deeper look into the study's findings and potential solutions for improving workplace conditions.
As organizations strive to address workplace bullying effectively, understanding employee feedback mechanisms becomes crucial. Implementing the right tools for gathering insights can significantly enhance workplace culture and help identify issues before they escalate. To explore the top tools available for collecting employee feedback in 2026, which can aid in creating a more supportive environment, check out our detailed overview of essential feedback collection tools.